On Sunday my cousin and I hosted our 2nd Annual Holiday Fundraiser Party. Last year, we wrapped holiday gifts for children in the local foster care system, and this year we decided to gift Thanksgiving meal baskets for a few families in much need.
Come November 1st the holidays quickly kick in, and while we revel and find joy in this magical time of year, the reality is that there are so many who don’t have the same kind of joys this time of year. Giving should be a daily act, all year round, but there is a reason they call this the Season of Giving. As the year ends, we begin to look back, come together to celebrate loved ones and be grateful. Most times we think those in most need are the homeless or sick, but most times its the family down the street or the quite child in the classroom with a more difficult life back at home.
Life can easily distract us, causing up to become caught up with our own needs, that we forget there are many of our neighbors, including children, who really need a helping hand, a word and act of encouragement, a positive light. Almost always, a simple reminder that they too are important and will get through this is what they need. That’s why my cousin and I have been hosting these holiday parties for good causes, because we’re eternally grateful for everything in our own lives, that the only way we know how to say Thank You is to GIVE BACK!
We wanted to keep decor and details very simple, focusing on the true purpose for our party, but of course things would still be pretty. I choose to highlight the natural tones of Autumn, its warm golden hues and dark textures. I created a large floral arrangement foraged with as many beautiful gems Autumn is offering us now.
The final touches; a few faux pumpkins, twinkling votives, rustic woods, a sweet “Give Back” banner and a chalkboard written with the sweetest Charlie Brown quote…
What if Today we were Grateful for Everything
Everything looked seasonal, festive and pretty, yet simple and effortless. It cost us very little, which is key if you’re trying to host a party for a good cause or to raise money for a charity.
I think Brunch is the best time of day and meal to serve for a casual holiday party. I like to serve an array of bite size and lighter options that will appeal to everyone’s tastes, while being easy nibbles so guests can mingle and take part in activities…
ON THE MENU
- Assorted Bagels with Butter, Cream Cheese, Jam, etc… {Our Bagels were graciously donated to us by the local bagel shop, so don’t forget to ask your favorite local shops for donations or items to serve at your own fundraising party!}
- Mini Cheese Boards :
- Manchego Cheese – Goat Cheese – Iberico Cheese – Fresh Burrata Cheese
- Strawberries, Grapes, etc…
- Crackers
- Mini Cheesy Frittatas or Baked Eggs
- Pumpkin Maple Granola
- Yogurt drizzled with honey
- Assorted Cookies : Chocolate Chip – Candied Walnut – Double Cranberry
- S’mores Cheesecake
- Assorted Mimosas : Orange – Cranberry – Pineapple Mango
- Coffee + Water
To play up the festive fun things about Autumn and Thanksgiving, we picked up a bunch of mini white Baby Boo pumpkins and each lady was able to decorate a few of these pretties. We got creative, shared ideas, laughed and sipped mimosas. A Sunday well spent indeed!!
Some of us are clearly excited for the holidays! At the end everyone voted for their favorite pumpkin – the winner … The Grinch! Which happened to be my spur of the moment decision, so I lovingly passed the prize, a Target gift card and the grand floral arrangement I made, onto Lucy and her Harry Potter! I mean how could I not, it’s a baby Harry pumpkin, I loved it so much!
This event was so easy to put together, and we all had such a great time, that this would make such a perfect idea to do for a Friendsgiving!! It doesn’t cost much to ask family, friends and coworkers for donations to make food baskets to gift families in need. If each Friendsgiving guest comes ready to mingle and with a donation, you can all do a great deal of good while still having fun!!
To donate Thanksgiving food baskets this holiday, contact your local food banks and shelters to find out what they need or contact your county’s DYFUS program to see if any of their families are in much need of a good holiday meal. You can also ask your neighbors or coworkers to see if they know of any families that may be having a hard time right now, and help them out too! There are so many ways you can give back, all you have to do is take action!!
As a tip, remember to keep items all packaged and boxed, so that they keep longer, but also prevent contamination. Unless you can directly provide or deliver fresh food to your selected families, it will most likely be harder to donate Turkeys. Instead, supplement with plenty of vegetarian protein options, like slow cooked beans!
If possible, keep things as healthy or organic as possible. Although slightly higher in price, but in no means by much, most of these families don’t have the capability or means to eat healthy. So anyway can help! Fresh produce that are great options to include : Apples, Sweet and White Potatoes
Don’t forget the fun holiday stuff! Thanksgiving is so much about coming together over a meal, not just the food. As a complete and personal touch for each basket, include items that will bring these families together, like games and activity sheets.
Our baskets we’re specifically made for families with younger children, so we hit up the Bullseye section of Target and picked up pretty Fall pumpkins and decor for them to use around their home. We even added in some fun word searches and football themed games.
It was so nice and special to be able to do this before the holiday season became busy for all of us. We’re so thankful for the beautiful ladies who spent a lovely Sunday with us, and everyone else who supported our cause and donated money. It’s truly heartwarming to see that people can come together to do good, that’s what we need more of, especially during this time of year.
As the year comes to its end, its natural for us to reflect back on our lives, that last twelve months and all that has happened in our personal lives. The holidays are the Season of Giving because for a few weeks of the year, we become more festive and joyous, and {hopefully} more grateful for all we have in our lives! With so much happening in the world, I think it’s important to come together for fun things like this Thanksgiving Brunch while still thinking and bringing joy to others! To me that is what the holidays are all about.
Hopefully this party inspires you to perhaps turn your holiday party into a way to help others and Give Back!!
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